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WOODBRIDGE –  Woodbridge Township Mayor John E. McCormac today reminded Township residents to take extra precautions to guard against colder weather as falling temperatures are expected throughout the week.  The Mayor also noted that the Public Works Department is at the ready to salt and plow Township roadways should there be additional snowfall. 

Mayor McCormac said that road crews from the Township Department of Public Works hit the streets at 11:30 p.m. last night (Sun., Feb. 28) and continued operations through today (Mon., Jan. 29).  The highway salting operation utilized seven trucks and crews and covered the main highways, hill areas, and heavily traveled roads throughout the Township. 

Additionally, Public Works crews conducted salting operations at Township schools and secondary roadways and streets reported to have icy conditions.  The Department of Public Works closely monitors weather conditions and is at the ready to begin salting, plowing, and public safety operations as winter storms approach.  The Community Center and other municipal facilities opened on time, with no disruption in public services.

“It’s a priority that we keep the streets clear and safe for travel during and after winter storms,” Mayor McCormac said.

Additionally, the Mayor reminded Township businesses and property owners to comply with Township ordinance by keeping sidewalks and roadways free of snow and ice.  Township ordinance requires property owners to maintain clear pedestrian walkways and sidewalks by removing accumulated snow and ice from sidewalk areas within 24 hours after the end of the storm.  If ice is too solid to be cleared by shoveling, it should be covered with ice melt, rock salt, sand, sawdust, or other appropriate melting or traction-giving agents. 

Mayor McCormac said that the National Weather Service is predicting colder weather over the next few days and that the Woodbridge Township Department of Health and Human Services, in conjunction with the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, is reminding residents that exposure to extremely cold temperatures for even short periods of time can cause serious medical conditions. 

Township residents should check to ensure that families and elderly neighbors have functioning heating systems in their homes and cars and are dressing warmly when outside.  Other advice for avoiding cold-related illness and injury include:

• Dress in layers while outdoors and remember to wear a hat and gloves to help retain body heat. If you get wet, either from heavy sweating while working or from rain or snow, change into dry clothes as soon as possible;
• Eat well and drink adequate fluids during periods of cold stress. Avoid drinking alcohol since it can accelerate the lost of body heat;
• Many cold-weather injuries result from falls on ice-covered sidewalks and other surfaces around the home. Use rock salt or other chemical de-icing compound to keep walkways, steps, driveways and porches as ice-free as possible;
• Avoid shoveling snow if you are out of shape. If you have a history of heart trouble, do not shovel unless your doctor approves;
• Stock your car with emergency gear, such as cell phone; jumper cables; flashlight; sand or kitty litter for extra traction; ice scraper and small shovel; and flares and other warning devices. For long car trips; carry food; water; extra blankets and required medications.

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